A Child-Centered Environment
Maria MontessoriMaria Montessori, the first woman to receive a medical degree in Italy, became interested in education as a physician treating disadvantaged children.
Montessori’s keen observations of young children led to her conviction that the child possesses an innate desire to learn and a unique sensitivity and aptitude for absorbing knowledge from his environment especially during the first six years of life.
The young child has a strong desire to understand the order in the world and a unique ability to absorb new concepts.
The Montessori environment is a miniature world, carefully and attractively designed, which the children can examine and control. The three-year curriculum includes practical life, sensorial, language, math, culture, art, music, and movement.
Ability to focus on a chosen activity aids the child in developing concentration and a logical approach to problem-solving.
The Montessori materials present one concept at a time in a sequential manner, thus increasing the child’s chance for successful completion and encouraging confidence and concentration. The child gains a sense of peaceful satisfaction from his or her accomplishments.
